The Maxima’s interior is anchored by its fighter jet-inspired cockpit. Wards cited the Maxima’s expert craftsmanship, sophisticated color scheme, and the accents to the trim and seating surfaces.47 nominees were chosen as finalists for the 10 Best List, among them the Nissan Altima and TITAN.

The 10 Best Interiors List is chosen by a panel of eight judges from WardsAuto who test each vehicle not just for looks but for comfort, ergonomics, the driver information display, the materials used, and safety. They also consider the value of the car in relation to the quality of the interior.

The winners will be honored at the WardsAuto Interiors Conference, which will take place on May 11th in Detroit.

The new 2016 Nissan Titan XD is ready to make a serious impact in the pickup truck world. Big changes and small changes make the Titan a standout this year.

The biggest development in the new Titan is the Cummins 5.0-liter V8 engine, a first for the Titan. It’s turbocharged, with an output of 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque.

Not only this, but the full-size pickup was also named the “Truck of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association in its annual 2015 Texas Truck Rodeo. This was the competition’s top award; the Titan XD also earned the Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas, Off-Road Pickup Truck of Texas, and Best Powertrain awards.

The Titan XD has a lot to brag about. In addition to taking home these awards, it has some great features that make it truly amazing. Innovative available technologies like the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller and Trailer Sway Control help you utilize the Titan XD’s potential while feeling comfortable and in control.

The 2016 Energy Conservation Center Award, awarded by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, was awarded to Nissan in January for its NESCO (Nissan Energy Saving Collaboration) practices across the company.

This award has been given to many different companies, activities, and products that are dedicated to saving energy and raising awareness about it through advanced technology.

NESCO’s recent achievements include conducting audits to save energy at Nissan’s production sites, using an auditor training program that studies the way energy is used and finding ways it could be improved. NESCO opened a global training center in order to tackle energy issues on Nissan’s campuses worldwide, not just in Japan.

NESCO has seen enormous results since implementing these changes, including lowering Nissan’s gasoline use and cutting CO2 production. These improvements and changes like them lower the global use of CO2 by 58,000 tons per year. Nissan is now working with Renault to further lower CO2 emissions.

Finding the perfect interior that combines luxury and comfort can be difficult—especially if you have a small budget. The all-new 2015 Nissan Murano does just that, though, and was recently recognized on Ward’s 2015 10 Best Interiors list for its beautifully designed cabin.

2015 Nissan Murano Interior

“First time I saw the new Murano interior, I was blown away by the pearlescent film that’s used to lovely effect on the doors, instrument panel, center console and armrest,” said Tom Murphy, executive editor, WardsAuto World. “The rest of the interior is brilliantly executed as well, from the smooth, flowing lines of the instrument panel to the ample cargo hold. Beige interiors often are perceived as boring, but this one is stylish and contemporary while achieving a serenity uncommon among midsize CUVs.”

Nissan offers the perfect combination of a modern design, premium materials, and innovative, practical technology within the third-generation crossover. The Murano’s features give it an entirely new level of refinement. NASA-inspired Zero Gravity front seating takes the Murano out of space, while the oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof allows the outside to come in, blending the Murano’s beautifully-designed cabin and the natural world.

The award is the highest one given to top organizations that have shown commitment to doing what it takes to protect the environment by utilizing more energy efficient operations.

This is Nissan’s fourth year in a row earning the award.

In 2014, Nissan improved upon its operations by using a more efficient LED lighting, fixing compressed air leaks, and adopting a new, eco-friendly paint process that cuts energy use by 30%.

With these improvements, Nissan was able to cut back on energy used to build its vehicles by an overall 13% during 2014. That is enough energy to power over 5,400 homes for a year!

“Our commitment to the environment doesn’t stop with changes to our own operations, but we also go out in the community to help others identify ways to save energy,” said John Martin, Nissan’s senior vice president of Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, and Purchasing.

“We work with schools in middle Tennessee and central Mississippi to help them reach their energy savings goals. Since this initiative began in 2012, we’ve helped about 30 schools make the esteemed ENERGY STAR certification list.”

Nissan will be recognized for its continuing efforts at an awards ceremony in Washington DC on April 20th, and we at Blackburn Nissan couldn’t be prouder.

Want to work at one of the best places in America? According to a Forbes survey of “America’s Best Employers,” Nissan ranks among the top 50 companies to work for in the US, placing second among auto manufacturers. Nissan North America divisions employ a variety of workers in different departments ranging from automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing to sales, marketing, distribution, and manufacturing sectors.

Nissan is a growing global company with a large domestic presence in the US. With compelling, appealing, and durable vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf–the best-selling EV in history, the company sold 5.2 million vehicles globally last year.

2015 Nissan LEAF

“Nissan has been able to achieve the kind of rapid growth that we’ve enjoyed in the US because of the hard work and dedication of our more than 22,000 team members,” said Scott Becker, senior vice president, Administration and Finance for Nissan North America.

We’re proud of Nissan America’s employer rank and to be part of one of the fastest growing auto manufacturers. Be sure to stop by Blackburn Nissan to share in our enthusiasm.

The 2015 Nissan Murano has added yet another title to its growing list of accolades, which already includes the “Best 2-Row SUV for the Money,” the “No. 1 Affordable Midsize SUV.” Now joining them is the “Best 2-Row SUV for Families” award.

2015 Nissan Murano

The recognition comes from US News & World Report, which analyzes the best cars for families every year across 19 vehicle categories. US News’best cars for families list takes into consideration professional automotive reviews, safety and reliability ratings, seating and cargo volume, and the availability of family-friendly features.

In its class, the 2015 Murano offers the best combination of all of these. Features like the useful Around View Monitor (which gives parents a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the area around the vehicle) are invaluable when parking, and the multiple USB ports and high-quality touchscreen system keep everyone entertained during the ride.

At Blackburn Nissan, we also know that families can be expensive, which is we’re glad to say the Murano’s 260-horsepower V6 is connected to an advanced Xtronic transmission that has increased fuel economy by 20%—up to 28 mpg on the highway!

When the Nissan LEAF was first introduced, many people were hesitant to take going green to such an extreme level. Now, the electric vehicle has not only become a leader in the electric vehicle segment, but has also become the only plug-in vehicle honored as a 2014 IHS Automotive Loyalty Award winner.

“Since entering the market in 2010, the Nissan LEAF has steadily gained supporters throughout the US,” said Toby Perry, director of marketing for the Nissan LEAF. “While the majority of original buyers were electric vehicle enthusiasts, we’re now seeing more and more ‘regular’ car buyers fall in love with LEAF because of its many financial benefits, fun-to-drive nature, and roomy interior.”

To be considered worthy of the Loyalty Award, a vehicle much have a reputation for making customers continue to choose the same make and model when shopping for a new car. With seating for up to five people, along with an EPA-estimated driving range of 84 miles, it’s easy to see why the LEAF has created such a loyal following.

If you are interested in learning more about the Nissan LEAF and other great, fuel-efficient vehicles in the Nissan lineup, stop in to Blackburn Nissan’s showroom.

Nissan Jumped 9 Spots from last year in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands Study

Interbrand has once again named Nissan among the world’s most valuable brands in its latest Best Global Brands Study, which features the automaker in 56th, up from 65th last year.

Back in June, Nissan was also named one of the world’s greenest brands in Interbrand’s Best Global Green Brands report. Interbrand lauded Nissan’s financial performance and product portfolio in the most recent study and recognized its leadership position in electric vehicles in both studies.

To determine the Best Global Brands, the firm looks at the ongoing investments and management of the brand as a business asset, taking into account financial performance, the strength of the brand, and the influence and role of the brand in the purchase decision of customers.

At Blackburn Nissan, we can testify that customers are often swayed by the Nissan badge in front of the car!

“Brand power is a key indicator of the health of the Nissan business and a major driver of the company’s growth,” said Roel de Vries, Nissan Corporate Vice President and global head of Marketing and Brand Strategy. “We are pleased to see a 23 percent increase in brand value from last year—nearly doubling Nissan’s brand value since its inaugural appearance on the list in 2011—and recognition as a ‘top’ riser in the study.”

The fight for first is a tough one in the automotive industry. Recently, Nissan has been gaining ground on some of its top competitors – Honda and Toyota. While Nissan hasn’t been obsessed with taking the top spot, the rivalry has been intensifying for over 25 years. Nissan may leapfrog over Honda, which is currently in the number 2 spot as they have diversified their lineup in recent years.

Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan North America plans to target a 10% share of the U.S. market by 2016. This is a steady gain as recent years they have held anywhere from 7% to 9%. Currently Honda holds about 9.1% of the U.S. market which is definitely within striking distance for Nissan.

With the new 2015 lineup, Nissan executives believe that they will take Honda’s spot in the not-so-distant future. When talking about Honda, Dave Sargent, VP, global automotive from J.D. Power They hope to do so by offering a variety of different models that tailor to many different consumers.

If you would like to know more about the diverse Nissan lineup, stop by and see us in Vicksburg, Mississippi!